Violet is Formally Readopted

Violet was formally readopted in the U.S., which is basically a way for the county and our home study agency to milk us for more money. It also means it may be easier for her to replace SS cards and other docs in the future, if lost, because she will have a birth certificate in English.
Despite my cynicism, it felt good to hear the judge say that Violet is irrevocably ours forever and ever. It is clear that all in the courtroom enjoy adoption cases, as it is probably the happiest occasions in their court, and the judge gave Violet a stuffed animal as a welcome gift.

Violet's First Christmas

Christmas at the Yoker's this year was a happy time. We had a delicious ham and sides that grandma and grandpa had whipped up. We played a white elephant game, and talked about "adopting a family" for Christmas instead of buying presents next year. All the kids played with Violet with enthusiasm and gentle hands.


Violet with Uncle Bill

Grandpa is obviously an avid deer hunter

Grandpa reads "A Night Before Christmas"




It was the first Christmas with babies around at the Benton's, and they infused the holiday with energy. We imagine that next Christmas will
be even more entertaining with walking and talking babies.

Sicko

OK: We had no idea what living with a baby's cold for two weeks actually meant. Yeah, sure, I had heard parents say mournfully that their baby had a cold, but shrugged it off as no big deal. Wrong. It is a snot explosion, sleep deprivation, vomit filled, nasal asparating, bottle refusing pain in the behind. This was Violet's first cold, and we are hoping her last...for a few weeks at least. So, here are some before and after pictures!

Oh yeah, feeling good...


Not so good...

First Christmas Tree and Santa

Mama's Birthday

I woke up on my birthday to a sunny winter wonderland. Violet and I spent the day at a coffee shop and running errands. That evening, Violet went over to Helena's for some play, and Bob and I went out to Maders for dinner. After an embarrassingly long conversation about how old I am, we settled on 32.

Santa's Helpers

If you need a laugh, check out this link:

Baby or Puppy?

Violet has taken to carrying things in her mouth as a means to transport toys with her! It's actually quite clever, but does remind me how much babies have in common with popular house pets.

Dance Dance Dance

Here is Violet showing off her dancing skills.

Thanksgiving at the Maloney's

Violet met so many cousins, aunts and uncles for the first time. She also met Great-Grandma Maloney, and was went straight for her hair. We feasted on lasagna, thankful not to have turkey again. Everyone is doing well, and we will see many of them again this summer, if not at Christmas!

Grandma



Aunt Karolyn

Uncle David

Grandpa

Aunts Nicole and Mandy

The cousins

Maloney kids

Grandma

Uncle Jason and Aunt Sarah

Grandpa and Uncle Bill

Thanksgiving at the Benton's

Violet loved meeting her great aunt Barb and her friend Tom, for the first time at Thanksgiving. Nell and mom negotiated their way through the kitchen together and no one got hurt. In fact, dinner was delicious. Dad's TA from Viet Nam came again this year, so I picked her brain about the difference in Chinese and Vietnamese culture, particularly as it relates to New Year traditions.



Great Aunt Barb

Thanksgiving with the Yokers

Grandma and Grandpa made a tasty brunch to kick off Thanksgiving. We caught parts of the football game in the basement. The highlight was watching Violet play with her Laehn cousins, whom she loves. Grandma looked healthy and is feeling much better. Al secured his first deer of the season the night before...ahh, holiday time. Snow made it's first appearance on our way to Gma and Gpa's house on Wednesday.